About us

Whānau, educators and tamariki all play an essential role in the shared learning experience at Giggles.

Through exploring and celebrating the diversity of each child and their whānau, Giggles is an environment where tamariki can become self-assured, capable learners and with a strong focus on “school readiness” we can support our tamariki to make a smooth transition into future learning environments.

Hours of OperationGiggles operates from 8.00am to 5.00pm.

Our TeamOur team is made up qualified and experienced teachers who are committed to ensuring tamariki receive excellent care, and have the best learning experiences possible.

EnrolmentIt is necessary to complete an enrolment form. The form includes essential information about your child that we will keep secure and confidential.

The form also requires completion of attestations to the times and dates that your child will be attending Giggles and details about the optional charges.

The “Amazing Me” form will be kept in your tamariki’s portfolio and provides helpful information to assist with settling in.

You will need to provide copies of both your child’s immunisation certificate and birth certificate or passport.

Participation and CommunicationThere are a number of ways that you can be involved in your child’s learning experience at Giggles.

We encourage whānau participation. We make an effort to chat with you about how your child’s day has been and invite you to communicate openly with us at any time.

Tamariki are provided with a portfolio that records their learning experiences at Giggles, which you and your child can access freely.

Whānau are able to contribute to the portfolio at any time. Learning stories or photos from home or holiday can provide valuable information about your child’s interests which can be explored further at Giggles.

We will keep you updated about the exciting activities happening at Giggles via our noticeboard and newsletters and aim to host a whānau evening at least once a year. Whānau evenings are an opportunity to meet other parents, learn and contribute, and of course to eat!

From time to time you will be invited to participate in our self-review process by providing your feedback on our existing policies and procedures. We will keep you up to date with our self-review progress the via the newsletter or the self review board.

While you provide your child’s own lunch in their lunch box we ask for your support by providing healthy kai. We have a handy list of ideas. We ask that lunch boxes DO NOT contain any lollies, chocolate, chippies or nuts.

Giggles will provide afternoon tea, which include fruit and or vegetables.

Please discuss any allergies or other special dietary requirements with staff.

We would love to bake a cake to help celebrate your child’s birthday. Please discuss with staff if this is not appropriate.

Settling and TransitioningWe understand that the settling period will be different for each family. Staff use information whānau have provided on the “Amazing Me” form to assist with helping your child feel safe and comfortable at Giggles.

Whānau and tamariki are introduced to teachers and management on the first day. Every effort is made to ensure tamariki feel “at home” and are encouraged to independently access learning resources and activities they are interested in.

Whānau will be shown where to find their child’s profile book, medicine sign in book and policies.

Whānau and tamariki are encouraged to visit Giggles Learning Centre as often as possible before the first official day of attendance. Certainly visits in the week prior are encouraged. You may wish to bring a special toy or comforter from home that may help your child to settle.

ExcursionsGiggles will always seek your permission before any excursions are undertaken.

Emergency PreparednessGiggles Learning Centre has emergency action and evacuation procedures which are posted on our notice board and throughout the centre. We encourage whānau to read these and be aware of the procedures.

We also practice trial evacuations with our tamariki and staff each term which you are welcome to participate in.

ComplaintsIf you have a complaint please discuss this directly with management.

Should the situation arise where your concerns cannot be resolved satisfactorily your complaint should be made to Giggles Learning Centre in writing. Your complaint will be investigated and responded to. Our complaints policy including non-compliance and contact details for the Ministry of Education can be found on the Centre notice board or our website under Policies.

Ministry of Education Funding/Regulations and Licensing CriteriaGiggles is required to detail the expenditure of any funding received from the Ministry of Education. A copy of this is available to you upon request.

Please let us know if you would like to view the Early Childhood Regulations or Licensing Criteria, and we will be happy to assist you to view these.

PoliciesGiggles policies are all contained in a folder for viewing or are outlined in brief on our website under Policies.

Service Closed DatesWe are closed for up to two weeks over the Christmas period each year. Fees will not be charged during this time.